Rishi Sunak is set to be the UK’s next prime minister after Penny Mordaunt withdrew from the leadership race.
Ms Mordaunt was the only other MP left in the race following Boris Johnson’s withdrawal on Sunday night.
In a statement issued on Twitter she said it was clear that colleagues felt they needed certainty and that the party had chosen their next prime minister.
She added: “This decision is an historic one and shows, once again, the diversity and talent of our party. Rishi has my full support.”
Previous to her withdrawal, PA Media reported on Monday that Mr Sunak had received the backing of more than half of Conservative lawmakers to become prime minister.
Conservative MP for Carlisle John Stevenson said: “Congratulations to Rishi Sunak on a historic achievement. It is now time for us to unite behind the new leader of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister and get on with supporting those more vulnerable in our communities, and delivering on levelling up and the mandate given to us at the 2019 general election. The Prime Minister has my full support.”
Barrow and Furness, Conservative MP Simon Fell, said: “I’m delighted that Rishi has won. He has a good mind, and the right temperament and skills to lead our great nation. I’m sure that we will lead the country from the centre – putting ability over factionalism, and providing the stability that we need right now.”
Dr Neil Hudson, Conservative Penrith and Border MP, said: “I wholeheartedly congratulate Rishi Sunak on winning the Conservative Party Leadership and becoming our next Prime Minister. Obviously, I am disappointed that Penny Mordaunt was ultimately unsuccessful.
“She ran an incredibly positive and dignified campaign and I sincerely hope she plays a big part in the new Government. I was there when Rishi Sunak addressed the Conservative Parliamentary Party in the Commons today and it was a very thoughtful, magnanimous and considered speech.
“Our country faces huge challenges moving forward from economic uncertainty, the cost of living crisis to the war in Ukraine. Through all this, it is so important that the Government governs with compassion, supporting the most vulnerable in society. The Prime Minister and the Government have my full support as he moves to unite and lead the country moving forward to address these and other challenges.”
Tim Farron, Liberal Democrat MP for Westmoreland and Lonsdale has backed a Bill in Parliament calling for an early general election by December 1 2022.
The Bill is being tabled in Parliament today and will be given its First Reading on Wednesday after Prime Minister’s Questions.
He said: ” The Conservatives have caused calamity and chaos and they must be held to account by the public. The Government’s incompetence has led to our economy being trashed, our health services neglected and hundreds of pounds being added to people’s mortgages.
“From his time as Chancellor, we know that Rishi Sunak is completely out of touch with people in Cumbria – whether that was causing an explosion in second home ownership with his stamp duty tax cut or excluding many self-employed people from coronavirus support payments.
“Conservative MPs must put the country first by backing our calls for an immediate General Election. The future of our country cannot be left to another Conservative stitch-up. It must be in the hands of voters who deserve a say through a General Election now.”
Mr Sunak will become the third person to lead the country in seven weeks, and the fifth since 2016.
He will also be the first Hindu and the first person of colour to become prime minister. At the age of 42, he is also the youngest person to take on the role in more than 200 years.
Cumbria’s other MP’s, Trudy Harrison (Copeland) and Mark Jenkinson (Workington) have been contacted for comment.
